Kyle T. Baker Obituary: The Shove Heard Round the World

Kyle T. Baker
COLLEGE STATION – Kyle Baker, graduate assistant for football at Texas A&M University, died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 26. Kyle was best known for receiving a playful but deadly shove from quarterback Johnny Manziel during a scrimmage. Manziel passed for 253 yards and ran for 92 more in a 29-24 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa last November. Kyle, a Kinesiology graduate, was the namesake of the stadium where he was murdered according to his pawpaw, Charles Baker. "I can’t wait to see what Johnny does to Saban and those sumbitches this year," he added.

A report by the Sheriff-Coroner’s office indicated that Kyle suffered two massive bruises to his torso. The coroner noted that "Manziel’s size 10 ¼ hands help make up for his height but we’d like to see him make ball security a priority in 2013." Kyle enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his friends. Manziel, who is now reportedly dating Mr. Baker’s longtime girlfriend, recently spent Spring Break in Cabo San Lucas where he was photographed with a fake Longhorn tattoo.

Head Coach Kevin Sumlin commented that Kyle had a "great spirit" and that the Aggies will need to find a replacement graduate assistant "urgently." A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 27th at Reed Arena where visitors will be allowed to pose for photographs with Johnny Manziel’s Heisman trophy. "It’s the least I can do," said Manziel as he pretended to rip his shirt open. Manziel will be unable to attend the service in person but has promised to watch an online stream.

In lieu of flowers, the Baker family asks that you contribute to the 12th Man Foundation.